Why Your Energy Drink, Tea, or Flavored Water May Contain More Than You Bargained For
From morning matcha lattes to post-workout energy drinks, many of us reach for our favorite beverages without thinking twice. But what’s inside your drink might surprise you: some popular beverages have been found to contain chemicals listed under California’s Proposition 65—including heavy metals like lead and arsenic.
How Do These Chemicals Get in Our Drinks?
Ingredients Grown in Contaminated Soil
Plants like tea leaves or herbs can absorb heavy metals from the soil in which they’re grown.Processing Equipment & Packaging
Certain manufacturing equipment and container materials can leach chemicals into the final product.Added Ingredients
Artificial colors, sweeteners, or preservatives may bring chemical risks of their own.
The Most Common Culprits ERC Has Seen
Energy Drinks & Pre-Workouts – Some contain high levels of heavy metals or other Proposition 65 chemicals from plant extracts and flavorings.
Herbal Teas – Especially those sourced from areas with high soil contamination.
Flavored Waters – Can be impacted by contaminants in flavor concentrates or even bottle materials.
Why This Matters
Heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic can accumulate in the body over time, posing risks to reproductive health, brain development, and organ function. Proposition 65 requires businesses to warn consumers if their products exceed the state’s safe harbor levels.
How to Protect Yourself
Check Labels – Look for Proposition 65 warnings, especially if you live in or buy products in California.
Research Brands – Some companies post their lab results online.
Stay Informed – ERC’s ongoing case list highlights products that have been flagged through independent testing.
Bottom line: Not every drink is risky, but transparency matters. ERC will continue testing popular beverages and holding companies accountable so consumers can sip with confidence.